Matson, Wilh. Wilhelmsen report first quarter profits

Though several carriers have reported first quarter losses, there’s better news for others:

• With Horizon Lines dropping out of the shipping trade on Guam, Matson Navigation Co. reported an $8.1 million operating profit for the first quarter of this year — compared to $5.4 million in a similar quarter last year. Matson transported 6,400 containers by the end of the first quarter of 2012, compared to 3,300 in 2011 — a 94 percent change. (From Guam Pacific Daily News)
• Norway’s Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA boosted first quarter operating profit by 84 percent from a year ago to $106 million, driven by record earnings and revenue at its global car carrier and rolling cargo fleet. (Reported in the Journal of Commerce)